1,500 without power in Santee

LAKESIDE  More than 1,500 people were without electrical power Tuesday evening and a traffic alert was issued after a Ford Fusion slammed into a telephone pole on El Nopal near Mountain View Lane, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Portions of Eucalyptus Hills and Carlton Hills in Santee lost power shortly after 5:41 p.m., according to San Diego Gas & Electric. Power was restored to all but about 40 customers by 8 p.m.

The incident occurred when the driver of the Ford Fusion apparently swerved to avoid a collision, but struck the pole, the CHP said. The pole was still standing, but was leaning heavily when officers arrived.

Concern over possible downed wires prompted officers to issue the traffic alert and close El Nopal from Mountain View Lane to Riverford Road.

SDG&E crews were called to make repairs and expected to have power completely restored by midnight.